Academics

that is frequently used by universities in their introductory-level U.S. history courses, in order to expose students to those methodologies and controversies that shape the best work done in this field at the present time.

within international affairs. American history is approached from political, social and economic perspectives. Students are encouraged to see the reconstruction of the past as an unfinished project that is open to revision, and are taught to critically employ primary documents in this effort. The goal is to make history come alive so that students come to their own understanding of how American values and American traditions condition their nation and their own lives.

World War II, the role of European anti-Semitism in the Holocaust, the Nazi plan for the "final solution," perpetrators of Nazi crimes, the establishment of ghettos and death camps, the experiences of Holocaust victims and survivors, and the extraordinary attempts at resistance and rescue by Jews and non-Jews. We will also examine other genocides that have occurred since the Holocaust.

Ma'ayanot's Israel Advocacy course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the rise of Zionism, the Middle East conflict, the values of the modern State of Israel and the challenges it faces in the world today.  The course creates informed and nuanced student advocates, who are ready and prepared to represent the State of Israel on today's college campuses.

The second goal is to impart an understanding of the way that halakha develops from its Biblical source through the Gemara, Rishonim, and Acharonim. In all Halakha classes, clearly organized sourcebooks that set out the halakha as it develops from the Torah through the Gemara, Rishonim, and Acharonim are utilized. In this way, our students develop halakhic knowledge as well as an understanding of the halakhic system.

that brought European Jews into the world of modernity.  In their studies of Eastern Europe, they will begin by examining the emergence of Hasidut and the Misnaggedic responses to that movement. They will then learn about the politics of nineteenth-century Russia that shaped so much of the Jewish experience there.  In their foray into West European History, they will encounter the influence of the Enlightenment on French and German Jews.  This will include the questions of what it meant for countries to consider giving Jewish citizenship for the first time, and what it meant for Jews to start living as full citizens of a modern country.  In this semester, the students will also focus on the emergence of modern anti-Semitism as well as selected topics within the Shoah. The second semester of this course will be devoted to Zionism.  Students will study the origins of the movement from within the European Jewish context of the previous semester, followed by its political and philosophical progression throughout the first half of the twentieth century.  They will then have the opportunity to explore modern Israeli history, with a focus on developments over the past 67 years as well as current events in Israel.  Zionist education is a core mission at Ma'ayanot, and we are proud to offer a robust course of study in that area

though understanding the science of food and its role in our bodies. Most lessons incorporate basic science behind the topic we are discussing and then a practical application aspect of how we can use this knowledge in our everyday food choices. Our topics cover everything from fad dieting, basic carbohydrates, understanding oils, food advertising, mindful eating, alternative medicine, and physical activity to various special topics that the class votes on to be of utmost curiosity. Students will gain priceless knowledge in this course that helps provide the tools to navigate the confusing world of food around us.

that students are exposed to fundamental questions (e.g., faith and reason, free will, theodicy and miracles, to name just a few), key thinkers and important texts that are integral to our philosophical tradition. In addition, all students are required to take one year of Jewish Philosophy in 11th grade.

Students have 2 periods of PE each week in grades 9, 11 and 12 and one period of PE each week in grade 10.

of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability both in theory (lecture) and in practice (lab). AP Physics is designed for students who have displayed exceptional interest and aptitude in their previous science courses, and is best suited for those who plan to pursue a college degree in physics, engineering or medicine. A math prerequisite through pre-calculus is strongly recommended.

are used to describe physical phenomena, giving meaning to many of the techniques studied in pure mathematics courses. This course draws on the personal experiences of students in their everyday environment. Concept development is enhanced through a laboratory program that gets students involved in "doing" physics. The first half of the curriculum includes the main topics of mechanics: motion, vectors, momentum, work, and energy. The second half of the year is spent exploring waves (including light and sound), electricity, and magnetism.
Alternatively, students may take Conceptual Physics. In this course, less emphasis is placed on mathematics as students explore the basic concepts of physical laws and phenomena.

but for all future college level mathematics courses. During the year, students cover diverse topics, such as examining relations and functions, mathematical induction, polynomial equations, linear programming, conic sections, complex numbers, polar coordinates, sequences and series. Students make extensive use of the graphing calculator to develop mathematical models for real world applications.
Pre-calculus is a required course for students who entered high school with accelerated mathematics and must complete a third year of high school mathematics at Ma'ayanot. It is a prerequisite for students wishing to take calculus either at Ma'ayanot or in college. It is an elective for seniors who would like to explore mathematical concepts in greater depth or expect to need some mathematics in their college studies.

behavior and mental processes. The course surveys the major subfields of psychology, and considers the theoretical and empirical orientations that have shaped the discipline. Topics studied include neuroscience, genetics, and behavior. The bio-psycho-social perspective is used to study psychological disorders and therapy. Areas in cognition such as perception, learning, memory, language and thinking, and intelligence are covered. Study of the individual focuses on child development, personality, and emotion. Critical thinking and statistical reasoning are important elements of the curriculum.

the field of psychology through an overview of multiple psychological themes, including developmental psychology, abnormal psychology and treatment, memory, and states of consciousness. These themes are explored through various media, including video presentations, role-playing, and group projects.

from managing anxiety to language devices for conveying persuasive messages. While learning these skills, you will be developing them actively by writing and presenting your own speeches of various kinds to the class and critiquing each other's products. Time in class will be spent on workshopping your speeches-in-formation, discussing public-speaking strategies, and analyzing speeches of famous figures for their degree of effectiveness.